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Leinster Rugby Hangs On For Narrow Win Over Clermont

Leinster Rugby Hangs On For Narrow Win Over Clermont

Leinster Rugby held Clermont scoreless in the final 75 minutes to capture a win in Round 2 of the Investec Champions Cup.

Dec 14, 2024 by Joe Harrington
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Leinster Rugby went down 7-0 five minutes into its Round 2 Investec Champions Cup match against a dangerous Clermont. 

But in a battle of two of the competition's best defenses, it was Leinster that held Clermont scoreless for the remaining 75 minutes in a 15-7 win at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Dec. 14

Leinster improves to 2-0-0 in the Investec Champions Cup and now will face rival La Rochelle in France when the competition returns on Jan. 12 for Round 3. 

Clermont, the hard-luck loser that failed to muster much offense after Alivereti Raka's try, will face Premiership table leader Bath Rugby. 

Early Momentum For Clermont

Clermont struck first in the fourth minute when Alivereti Raka touched down in the corner after a sweeping attack. Baptiste Jauneau added the conversion to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

Leinster responded in the 21st minute through a well-worked try by Garry Ringrose, converted by Sam Prendergast, to level the scores at 7-7. 

Minutes later, Jordie Barrett crossed the line for Leinster’s second try, though Prendergast missed the conversion, leaving the score at 12-7.

Both defenses tightened as the half progressed, with Leinster holding the narrow lead heading into the break.

Leinster’s Defense Holds Firm

Leinster extended its lead early in the second half with a penalty from Prendergast in the 47th minute, making it 15-7. 

Clermont’s Peceli Yato was shown a yellow card shortly after, forcing the French side to play a crucial period with 14 men.

Despite Clermont’s efforts, Leinster’s defense proved impenetrable in the second half. 

A series of substitutions brought fresh energy for both sides, but neither team could add to the scoreboard, with Leinster closing out a hard-fought victory.

Leinster Vs. Clermont Rugby Summary

Leinster Rugby: Tries: Ringrose (21’), Barrett (25’); Conversions: Prendergast (22’); Penalty: Prendergast (47’)

Clermont Auvergne: Try: Raka (4’); Conversions: Jauneau (5')

What's Next For Leinster Rugby, Clermont Rugby In Champions Cup?

Leinster will face La Rochelle, and Clermont will play Bath. 

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1 Results

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 2

All Times Eastern

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 3

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

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